Exclusive: Nottingham Forest make move to beat Aston Villa to Iheanacho deal

Nottingham Forest have registered their interest in signing just-departed Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho, sources have told Football Insider.

Forest are in the market for a striker this summer, but they face competition to secure the Nigeria international.

Aston Villa have also been pursuing the 27-year-old, but that interest has cooled recently because Jhon Duran is still at the club the club.

Villa’s stance could still change though as Football Insider revealed that Chelsea have held talks to sign Duran, with terms agreed with the player.

Iheanacho is available on a free transfer this summer after he departed the King Power Stadium at the end of June after seven years with the club.

Nottingham Forest want to sign a striker

Only three teams scored fewer goals than Nottingham in the Premier League last season, two of which were relegated.

Iheanacho can provide that, having scored 61 goals in 232 appearances during his time with Leicester.

The striker contributed five goals last season as the Foxes gained promotion back to the Premier League.

With 196 appearances in England’s top flight, Iheanacho certainly has the experience to play in the Premier League.

The Nigerian international isn’t the first forward that Nottingham have focused on though, as Football Insider revealed the club considered a move for Yankuba Minteh.

Ultimately, the Gambian international signed for Brighton on a five-year deal for £33million.

In other news, Nottingham's point deduction fear rises.

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